Private Sector Housing Officer

South East England Contract £40 - £45 Per Hour + Free Parking

Private Sector Housing Officer - Berkshire

Location: Berkshire
Rate: £40-£45 per hour
Contract: Initial 3-Month Contract
Working Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Remote

A Berkshire local authority is seeking an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer to support its Housing Standards and Private Sector Housing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a housing professional looking to join a busy and proactive service responsible for improving standards within the private rented sector, tackling poor housing conditions and delivering effective regulatory and enforcement activity across the borough.

The successful candidate will play a key role in investigating housing complaints, carrying out inspections and ensuring compliance with housing legislation, whilst supporting the council's wider objectives around housing quality and tenant safety.

The Role

You will manage a varied caseload of private sector housing matters, undertaking inspections, investigating complaints and identifying appropriate interventions to improve housing conditions and secure compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Undertaking HHSRS inspections and property assessments.
Investigating complaints relating to housing disrepair, damp, mould and other housing hazards.
Managing housing enforcement cases from complaint through to resolution.
Assessing Category 1 and Category 2 hazards.
Serving statutory notices and undertaking enforcement action where appropriate.
Carrying out HMO inspections and compliance visits.
Investigating licensing breaches and unlicensed properties.
Providing advice and guidance to landlords, managing agents and tenants.
Preparing case files, enforcement documentation and witness statements.
Working closely with legal services and partner agencies.
Supporting wider housing standards and regulatory projects within the service.
Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with evidential standards.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should be able to demonstrate recent experience in:

HHSRS inspections.
Housing Act 2004.
Private Sector Housing Enforcement.
Housing standards investigations.
HMO inspections and compliance.
Serving statutory notices.
Managing housing enforcement caseloads independently.
Working within a local authority housing standards or private sector housing team.

Desirable Experience

Additional and Selective Licensing schemes.
Civil penalties.
Prosecution case preparation.
Court and tribunal attendance.
Licensing enforcement.
PACE interviews.
Empty homes work.
Complex enforcement investigations.

About You

Successful candidates will be able to:

Demonstrate strong knowledge of housing legislation and enforcement practice.
Independently manage housing enforcement and housing standards cases.
Conduct thorough property inspections and hazard assessments.
Communicate effectively with landlords, tenants and stakeholders.
Balance informal and formal enforcement approaches appropriately.
Maintain strong evidential standards and case records.
Prioritise workloads effectively in a fast-paced service environment.

What's on Offer?

This role offers the opportunity to join a busy and supportive local authority team committed to improving housing standards across the private rented sector.